Research Lab Specialist Assoc

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Two-for-one retirement matching

Comprehensive health insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability coverage

FSA for healthcare and dependent care

Job summary

The Jensen Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a Research Lab Specialist to oversee robotic phenotyping instruments, coordinating multiple robots and staff, and maintaining equipment, reagents, and bacterial cell cultures. You will work with researchers to execute their designed experiments onsite.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Chemistry or Bioengineering and hands-on experience with liquid handling robots and robotic incubators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Chemistry or Bioengineering.
• Experience with liquid handling robots, robotic incubators, and bacterial cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and analyze high-throughput growth experiments.
• Inventory, prepare, and track laboratory reagents.
• Operate, calibrate, and monitor laboratory robots.
• Develop and troubleshoot protocols for microbial growth assays.
• Help train and supervise other laboratory technicians.
• Work with scientists, engineers, and technicians to analyze, summarize, and present results.
• Participate in quality improvement campaigns.
• Communicate with lab members and external collaborators.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Chemistry or Bioengineering

Tools

ARI

Hamilton

Formulatrix

BioTek/Agilent robots

Job description

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement-enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.

Job Summary

The Jensen Lab seeks a Research Lab Specialist to oversee the operation of our robotic phenotyping instruments. The candidate will coordinate multiple robots and staff/undergraduate technicians; maintain equipment, reagents, and bacterial cell cultures; and work with researchers to execute their designed experiments.

Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and analyze high-throughput growth experiments.
• Inventory, prepare, and track laboratory reagents.
• Operate, calibrate, and monitor laboratory robots.
• Develop and troubleshoot protocols for microbial growth assays.
• Help train and supervise other laboratory technicians.
• Work with scientists, engineers, and technicians to analyze, summarize, and present results.
• Participate in quality improvement campaigns.
• Communicate with lab members and external collaborators.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Chemistry or Bioengineering. Experience with liquid handling robots, robotic incubators, and bacterial cell culture.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience culturing a wide range of bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative, aerobes and anaerobes).
• Experience with ARI, Hamilton, Formulatrix, and BioTek/Agilent laboratory robots.
• Fundamental knowledge of automated quality control assays.
• Previous work in an AI-driven autonomous laboratory.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes. This is an onsite position-5 days per week.

Additional Information

• Note: This is a one year term-limited position with the possibility of extension based on need and funding.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.